Theater review: Ruby Dee headlines Kuumba Fest

For the 14th year, county residents can explore Black History
Month through the arts via the Kuumba Fest. Presented by the San
Diego Repertory Theatre's African American Council, Kuumba Fest is
a four-day celebration of black Americans' contributions to this
country's cultural life.

Music, dance, theater and more will be featured in live
performance throughout Kuumba Fest. This year's highlight includes
an appearance on Friday by actress Ruby Dee, who will receive a
special "Standing the Test of Time," and actor/playwright Daniel
Beaty will perform his solo play "Emergence-See!" on Friday as
well.

The celebration gets under way at 6 p.m. Thursday evening at the
Lyceum Theatre in downtown's Horton Plaza. Beginning Friday
afternoon, an open-air African Market Place will be set up in the
courtyard outside the Lyceum entrance and will stay open for the
duration of the festival. Saturday and Sunday, visitors can try
some of the best local African-American cuisine at the early
evening Taste of San Diego Soul. Other highlights include
African-themed "royal processions," a Saturday afternoon hip-hop
and step competition, and a late-night Saturday tribute to the
famed Apollo Theatre of the Harlem Renaissance.